Italian replaces Korean at the helm of German women's team
04/19/2006
Tokyo, April 19, 2006 : Following the surprise resignation of experienced Korean coach Lee Hee Wan last month, the German Volleyball Federation (DVV) has moved quickly and appointed Italian Giovanni Guidetti as the new trainer of the national women's team.
Guidetti is only 33 years old but has already amassed considerable experience as a coach. He has been a coach in Italy’s first league since 1997/98 (with Spezzano, Vicenza, Modena and Chieri), interrupted only by a one-year stint for USPV/USA. From 1997-2000 Guidetti was also co-trainer of the national women’s team of Italy and was responsible for Bulgaria’s women’s team in the summer of 2003.
Guidetti will take up his post in time for the European Championship qualification tournament in Georgia (26-28 May), where Germany will face France, Georgia and Latvia. His contract currently runs until the World Championships in Japan from 31 October to 16 November, where Germany will play China, Russia, Azerbaijan, the Dominican Republic and Mexico in Pool B. The first four teams in the group, based in Sapporo, will qualify for the next round.
The new coach is looking forward to the challenge. “I am ready to train the German team and I’m very proud that the German Volleyball Federation has given me this opportunity. I would like to qualify for the European Championships with the team and play a good World Championship,” said Guidetti.
DVV president Werner von Moltke added: “We are very happy to have found such a renowned coach for our women’s team in such a short time. I am confident he will be able to continue the good work of Hee Wan Lee.”
